“My parents met years ago in a choir in Bijeljina, and they have very fond memories of that period. My father attended elementary music school in our town as a young boy, studying the violin, at a time when standards were much stricter. Back then, there was even a trumpet department. Today, despite Bijeljina having a much larger population, the Music School lacks both teaching space and new departments, while the city is also missing a large concert hall,” said piano professor Milena Vasiljević during her appearance on the programme “Where Does (Non-)Culture Stand?” on Standard Classic Radio.

Vasiljević noted that the construction of a proper concert hall in Bijeljina would create opportunities for local audiences to enjoy classical music concerts performed by large ensembles, as well as operas, ballets and performances by smaller orchestras.

“Until better conditions are created in Bijeljina for concert performances and large ensembles, we must find ways to bring classical music closer to children and adults with the resources we currently have. There are always enthusiasts among us who are willing to organise public performances in accessible settings, such as promenades, parks and other venues,” Professor Vasiljević emphasised.

According to her, there are encouraging examples in Bijeljina in the field of classical music, such as the International Music Festival “Primavera”, which has been organised for the past ten years by the Citizens' Association “Musical Artists of Semberija” at the Ethno Village.

“We are greatly honoured to host such a festival, particularly because it is international in scope and around 400 young musicians are presented to audiences over the course of several days, together with their professors and an exceptionally high-quality jury. In addition, the organisers always include a concert by a renowned artist as part of ‘Primavera’, for example, a pianist, giving audiences an opportunity to enjoy performances of outstanding quality,” Vasiljević added.

Speaking about the departments at the “Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac” Music School in Bijeljina, Professor Milena highlighted guitar studies as one of the most popular programmes alongside piano. She also recalled the cello department, which was initially fully enrolled but gradually ceased to operate.

“Although the cello department was exceptionally well organised and fully enrolled for two or three years, unfortunately, there was not enough interest among students in the following years, and it had to be discontinued. As for wind instruments, we currently have only a flute department. However, launching a new department requires considerable interest. First and foremost, we need significantly more space and classrooms, and once that problem is resolved, I hope new programmes will follow,” Milena said.

Vasiljević, who teaches both primary and secondary school students at the Bijeljina Music School, also spoke on the programme “Where Does (Non-)Culture Stand?” about her teaching experience, ways of introducing young people to classical music, the ups and downs of her musical education, and the composers who had the greatest influence on her during her studies at the Academy.

To hear more about the importance of parental support, guiding children towards the right educational path, talent and work habits, as well as the different periods of classical music, listen to the programme featuring piano professor Milena Vasiljević!

You can listen to the programme by clicking the following link:

https://standardclassic.ba/gdje-se-fura-nekultura

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